Funded by the National Science Foundation and the University of California Santa Barbara's International Center for Materials Research, the program will focus on the development of materials for applications in sustainable energy solutions, including photovoltaics, fuel cells, batteries, and photocatalysis. Fifteen leading instructors and researchers from throughout Africa and the U.S. will teach the program's curriculum, which emphasizes problem solving and cultural exchange in addition to scientific topics. The ultimate goal of he school is to help establish collaborations and encourage friendships among approximately 50 students and early-career researchers from top materials science programs on both continents.

"This is a prestigious workshop, an important honor for our students, and a positive reflection of our department," says MSE professor and chair Robert M. Briber.